The West Test: Colour aplenty as fans flock to Optus Stadium for opening day between Australia and India

Cricket lovers flocked to Optus Stadium for the first Test of the highly-anticipated Border-Gavaskar series, with punters lining up more than an hour before gates opened before filling the stands.

Colourful outfits, a saxophonist and young fans were eager to experience all things cricket when the West Test between Australia and India started on Friday morning.

And the Indian cricket fanatics were whipped into a frenzy early on the first morning as cricket superstar Virat Kohli made his way to the crease.

A classic straight drive drew the feverish drummers to their feet, but when their hero fell for five, some of the air left the arena.

But not for long, with one Indian fan saying their excitement about seeing the team transcended the tourists’ dour start in Perth.

“It was a good welcome but (his wicket) is part of the game,” Jasprit told The West Australian.

“India have lost wickets but I’m still enjoying the cricket.

“(Having India here) is a very emotional experience for us. We’ve grown up with cricket and Virat Kohli and Tendulkar, so it’s very emotional for us.

“And our kids are playing and watching, so they (influence) generations going forward.”

A bumper crowd of around 30,000 is expected for what would be a record for a Test match day in Perth.

Manjul Sharma has been travelling around the world with the Indian team and said he was planning to bring his saxophone inside the stadium.

“Cricket Australia have given me special permission,” the Adelaide local said.

Lucas Woods, 11, told his school his was sick so he could score a seat with his nana, pop and dad on Friday.

“I’m excited to watch the Aussies make runs and get wickets.”

When asked who was the best cricketer in his family the 11-year-old insisted it was him.

“I hope to play for the Aussies one day”.

Another Indian fan — who is based in Perth — was proudly waving a poster to Australian fans hailing Virat Kohli as a “King”.

“O’ King rise once again show them your brilliance,” it read.

Several people were seen carrying a copy of Friday’s The West Australian into the game, including reader Paul Monoghan, after the back page featured the face of Indian cricket star Virat Kohli embedded in a danger sign.

Outside the stadium, around 9.30am, a DJ welcomed in the West Test summer fest zone graced fans with a mixture of Indian and Aussie tunes.

Stilt walkers in cricket gear were attempting to hit sixes and food trucks were slinging meals to keep crowds energised before the action began at 10.20am.

The Baraht Army fans loudly marched around the stadium beating drums as they chanted for India proudly.

One of those fans, with his face painted in Indian flag colours, was blowing into a conch shell — sounding his allegiance with his team.

In true-blue Aussie form, a large group — over 20 people in size — all dressed up as Spudshed boss Tony Galati.

The swarm of Galatis were seen carefully escorting one of their friends, who was dressed in a potato outfit, into the stadium on Friday.

Others dressed as Bisons in a standout nod to Australian cricketer Mitchell Marsh’s nickname.

Dave Godika, 9, was testing his cricket skills outside the stadium on Friday and despite only starting his first proper season this year, the young athlete didn’t miss a ball.

“This is my first season with a proper club, but I played before,” he said. “I’m really excited to see the Indian Cricket team.”

Hendrix Wilton, 6, put his athleticism to the test by diving for giant cricket balls in a bouncy castle — one of Friday’s most popular attractions.

Ashleigh Jeffrey and Grace Everitt stood out from the crowd in Christmas outfits as they attended a festive work function at the cricket.

Ms Everitt claimed she was such a fan of the sport that she hadn’t missed an Australian test in Perth.

Tradie Jack Byrne was one of many fans eager to show-off his wicketkeeping skills in front of cameras on Friday.

Mr Byre ensured to the dress for the occasion by attending Optus in full kit.

Traditional Bollywood dancers performed in the summer fest zone in the morning before former Voice Australia contestant Janaki Easwar took to the stage, just outside the Camfield near the Stadium.

Narrelle Smith said she was pleasantly surprised by the experience of watching her first Test match, even after partner Russell Mew’s son convinced them to dress as bananas.

“We’re dressing up because we were forced to by his son who’s run off and left us,” Ms Smith laughed.

“He thought I’d be bored, but I’m actually enjoying it.”